ANAEMIA IN PREGNANCY IN MALAWI- A REVIEW

Abstract

Anaemia in pregnancy in Malawi is common with prevalence rates reported between 38.8% and 72% for all anaemia (Hb < 11.0 g/dl) and 3.6% – 4% for severe anaemia (Hb<7.0g/dl). There are few population based data and a lot of studies report prevalence rates among women attending hospital antenatal clinics. Anaemia during pregnancy is possibly more common in adolescents but when corrected for gravidity and time of booking adolescence on its own does not seem to be a risk factor. The document indicated that Women in their first pregnancy may be more likely to have anaemia and Primigravid adolescents are more likely to be anaemic than multi gravid adolescents. There does not seem to be much seasonal variation in the prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy.